The Electoral Commission (EC) has launched a week-long nationwide election exercise for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), starting with sub-county level voting for senior citizens aged 60 and above.
According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the elections are taking place across all sub-counties, town councils, and municipal divisions throughout Uganda. The initiative is part of the government’s continued effort to promote inclusive political representation for historically marginalized communities.
The Special Interest Groups include older persons, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth. Voting for PWD representatives is scheduled for July 16, while elections for youth representatives will take place on July 18.
“This process affirms Uganda’s constitutional mandate to ensure the participation of all citizens in governance,” Mucunguzi said, referencing Article 1 of the 1995 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to choose their leaders.
Only individuals previously elected at the parish level are eligible to vote in the ongoing sub-county elections. Mucunguzi explained that voting is being conducted using the “lining up” method, where voters physically stand behind their preferred candidate, the candidate’s agent, or their campaign symbol. This method is intended to increase transparency and reduce logistical costs.
The EC has urged all participants to maintain order, adhere to electoral laws, and avoid hate speech, incitement, or misinformation, which could jeopardize the credibility of the democratic process.
“These elections are meant to empower marginalized groups without fostering division. We call upon all stakeholders to uphold peace and unity,” Mucunguzi emphasized.
The results of the sub-county SIG elections will feed into electoral colleges, which will ultimately elect representatives to Parliament for each interest group.
